Monday, April 29, 2013

NFL scores in Hoboken with Hoboken Boys & Girls Club grant from NY Giants and Jets

The National Football League kicked off a charitable $2 million dollar aid plan for the area hit by Superstorm Sandy visiting the Hoboken Boys & Girls of Hudson County to announce a $100,000 donation to the facility Friday afternoon.

The overall grant is part of an effort by the NY/NJ Super Bowl host committee's Snowflake Foundation improving sports facilities for young people damaged after last year's storm.

The Jets and Giants each donated $1 million each to the Snowflake Foundation with co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch on hand for the NY Giants and Jet owner Woody Johnson of the NY Jets.

The Boys & Girls Club saw its facility aided with a completely new gymnasium floor and a shuttle bus to extend access to the facility. Executive Director Gary Greenberg called the support from the NFL teams "a blessing" after the horrendous damage the club suffered after the hurricane.

NY Giants owner Steve Tisch was joined by NY Jets owner Woody Johnson (second left) and the NFL with Gov. Chris Christieto announce the $2 million aid package for local youth facilities after Hurricane Sandy.

NFL dignitaries announced the two million charitable effort for the area with players from the NY Jets and Giants in attendance with Gov. Chris Christie on hand joined by NY Giants and Jets along with Hall of Fame NY Jet Curtis Martin.

After the ceremony, the NFL Play 60 program saw dozens of children engage in activities with the players. The program encourages children to adopt an active lifestyle with at least 60 minutes of play each day.

Gov. Christie wasted no time wrapping up with the gymnasium packed to capacity saying, "You don't want to sit here and listen to me. You want to play with the Jets and the Giants."

The Governor was introduced by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell who stood near the program and Super Bow XLVII logo on the rebuilt floor of the gym saying the effort was focused "on those areas that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy."

Gov. Chris Christie cheerily called out after the announcement to Hoboken Councilman Ravi Bhalla who is runningfor NJ State Assembly in the 33rd District. Executive Director Gary Greenberg is seen rear with NY Giant punterSteve Weatherford who appeared among NFL Giant and Jet players.

Talking Ed Note: Even without a big announcement leading in, dozens of children were on hand to take part on the NFL Play 60 exercise program encouraging youth activity. Also in attendance at the event competing with a scrum around Gov. Christie was NJ Jet Curtis Martin who was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame last year.